> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hostinger.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hostinger.com/emails/domain-settings.md).

# Email Domain Settings

Check and fix the MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records that make Hostinger email work, verify external domains, and generate custom DKIM keys in hPanel.

Four DNS records make your domain's email work and keep it out of spam folders. hPanel's **Domain settings** page (under your email domain) checks each one, shows what it found vs what it expects, and fixes them automatically when your DNS is hosted at Hostinger.

## The four records

| Record    | What it does                                                                                           | Symptom when missing                                          |
| --------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **MX**    | Routes incoming mail to your mailbox (`mx1.hostinger.com`, `mx2.hostinger.com`)                        | Your mailbox doesn't receive emails                           |
| **SPF**   | Stops others from sending fake emails from your domain (`v=spf1 include:_spf.mail.hostinger.com ~all`) | Your emails are easier to spoof and more likely to be flagged |
| **DKIM**  | Cryptographically signs your outgoing mail                                                             | Emails more likely to land in spam                            |
| **DMARC** | Tells receivers how to treat mail that fails SPF/DKIM                                                  | No policy for handling spoofed mail                           |

## Checking and fixing records

Open **Domain settings** under your email domain. Each record shows a status — connected, missing, or incorrect (conflicting or pointing to another provider) — with a side-by-side view of the **detected records** and the **Hostinger records** they should match.

* **DNS at Hostinger:** the page can apply the correct records for you.
* **DNS elsewhere:** copy each Hostinger record into your DNS provider, then click **Check status**.

DNS changes can take up to about 12 hours to propagate, though most apply much sooner.

## Custom DKIM

The **Custom DKIM** page lets you generate your own DKIM key for the domain:

1. Click **Generate** — hPanel creates the key and shows the DNS record to add.
2. Add the record (automatic if DNS is at Hostinger).
3. Verification can take up to 6 hours; the record shows **Unverified → Verifying → Verified** (or **Verification failed** — check the record value and retry).

## Domain verification (external domains)

Adding an email plan to a domain that isn't managed at Hostinger requires proving ownership: hPanel gives you a **TXT record** to add at your DNS provider, then verifies it. Changes usually take 5–15 minutes to become visible, rarely up to 24 hours.

## Domain-level warnings

The email pages surface domain problems that affect mail: domain expiring or expired, suspended, registration still in progress, or **pending owner verification** — sending and receiving pause until the domain owner's details are verified. Each banner links to the fix.

## Related

* [DNS Management](/domains/dns.md) — editing records on Hostinger nameservers
* [Setting Up Apps & Devices](/emails/setup-devices.md) — the autoconfig CNAME records

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*Last updated: July 22, 2026*